Chile

Recommended Vaccinations For Chile

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country. Therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is an intermediate to high risk of hepatitis B in Chile, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.

Rabies Vaccine

Travellers whose activities might bring them in contact with wild animals should consider the vaccination.

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

Unvaccinated travellers are at risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities, rural areas, or staying with friends and family.

Recommended Medications For Chile

There are no recommendations for Chile at this time.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Chile

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A

There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Chile through contaminated food or water. Infection can still occur at tourist destinations and resorts.

Hepatitis B

There is an intermediate to a high level of hepatitis B transmission in Chile.

For Some Travellers

Leishmaniasis

There is a risk of acquiring Leishmaniasis in this country through sand fly bites.

Rabies

Rabies in Chile has only been reported in wild animals, particularly bats.

West Nile Fever

There is a risk of acquiring West Nile virus in this country.

Measles

There is a risk of acquiring Measles in this country.

Chikungunya Fever

There is a risk of acquiring Chikungunya in this country.

Tuberculosis

Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the healthcare field, or having close prolonged contact with a sick person.

Hanta Virus

Sporadic cases of hantavirus are reported in Chile.

Chagas Disease

The risk for travellers is extremely low. There is a higher risk if staying in poor quality housing that might harbour the insect that transmits this disease.

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in this country, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas and staying with friends or relatives.

Safety & Security in Chile

Personal Safety

Crime in Chile has increased since 2020, though the country maintains one of the lowest homicide rates in Latin America. Between 2010 and 2022, intentional homicides rose 144 percent, from 541 to 1,322 cases. The homicide rate reached approximately 4.6 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2022, up from 3.1 in 2012. While these rates remain low compared to neighboring countries, the trend reflects growing organized crime activity, particularly involving foreign gangs establishing operations alongside local groups. Theft and pickpocketing represent the most common threats to visitors. Santiago and other major cities see regular incidents of bag snatching, phone theft, and pickpocketing in tourist areas and on public transport. Plaza de Armas, Bellavista, and Cerro Santa Lucia have higher reported incidents, especially after dark. Airports and bus stations also see elevated theft activity. Unlicensed taxis have been reported to attack or overcharge tourists. You should use licensed taxi services with company logos or ride-hailing apps like Uber or Cabify. Foreign crime groups from Venezuela, Peru, and Ecuador now operate in Chilean cities. The prison system is becoming overcrowded, raising concerns about organized crime’s expanding influence. Petty crime rather than violent crime affects most visitors, but armed robberies and carjackings have increased in residential areas and tourist neighborhoods.

Extreme Violence

Chile’s homicide rate of 4.6 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2022 remains among the lowest in Latin America and the Caribbean, though it has increased from historically lower levels. The country does not face significant terrorism threats. Violent crime levels affecting tourists remain relatively rare. Most serious violence occurs in specific neighborhoods unrelated to tourist activity or in contexts involving organized crime, drug trafficking, and gang disputes. Foreign gangs including Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua, the Gallegos, and Peruvian groups have established presence in Chile and cooperate with local criminal networks. This has led to increased organized crime activity, though these operations rarely target tourists directly. Some incidents of violence against police officers have occurred. In 2024, three police officers were killed on duty during a 20-day period in March and April. The Araucanía region experiences occasional violence related to land conflicts between Indigenous Mapuche groups and the Chilean government, with protests, roadblocks, and isolated incidents primarily in rural areas. Major cities like Temuco remain safer, and tourists are not typically targeted. Most convicted traffickers are Chilean, Ecuadorian, or Bolivian citizens.

Political Unrest

Chile experienced massive social protests beginning in October 2019, initially sparked by metro fare increases in Santiago but reflecting deeper economic inequality concerns. Millions participated in demonstrations that continued intermittently through 2020 and 2021, with some confrontations between protesters and security forces. The protests led to constitutional reform efforts, though two separate constitutional proposals were rejected by voters in 2022 and 2023. Large-scale demonstrations periodically occur in Santiago and other cities, often with little advance notice. These can disrupt public transportation, including buses and the Santiago metro. September 11 marks the anniversary of the 1973 coup and typically sees protests. Other dates associated with demonstrations include March 29, May 1 and 21, and October 18. While most protests are peaceful, some have turned confrontational, particularly around Plaza Italia or Plaza Baquedano. Police may use tear gas or water cannons to disperse crowds. The 2019 protests resulted in extensive property damage estimated at 3.5 billion dollars and 300,000 lost jobs. Between October 18 and December 6 of 2019, approximately 28,000 people were imprisoned, with over 400 people suffering eye injuries from police actions. Current protests occur less frequently than during 2019-2020, but public perception shows only 17 percent of Chileans now view the October Revolution positively. Security and crime concerns have overtaken the social issues that initially drove the protests.

Areas To Avoid

Providencia, Las Condes, and Vitacura in Santiago are generally safe neighborhoods preferred by tourists and business travelers, though Las Condes and Providencia areas are noted as being frequented by thieves. Barrio Italia offers a safe environment during the day. The downtown Santiago area and Plaza de Armas become riskier after dark. Bellavista has restaurants and nightlife but carries elevated crime risk at night, particularly for pickpockets and theft. Recoleta sees increased danger after 6 PM, with restaurants now closing early due to safety concerns. Vega Central around the Vega Market area has considerable dodgy activity. Cerro San Cristobal, Cerro Manquehue, and Cerro Santa Lucia require caution on empty paths when others are not around. The park area around Castillo Hidalgo should be avoided at night. Estacion Central bus station requires extra vigilance. Valparaiso has serious safety concerns despite receiving many tourists. The photogenic areas of Cerro Concepcion and Cerro Alegre are safer with security presence, but higher hills without elevators should be avoided. The flat area between Plaza Sotomayor and Ascensor Artilleria near the harbor is rough even during daylight. The port area and main bus station are not places to linger. Muggings and carjackings have been reported in tourist neighborhoods even during the day. The Araucanía region experiences ongoing land conflicts with occasional protests, roadblocks, and isolated violence in rural areas. Major cities in the region like Temuco are safer.